The very beginnings of Black Theartre were extremely demeaning. On the deck of the slave ship, Hannibal, slaves were forced to sing and dance for the entertainment of the crew. Even these beginning performances showed that Blacks creativity was rooted in a rich strong heritage.
Beginning in 1769, the first African American to appear in an American production was a West Indian slave, Mungo. This show began the stereotype of African Americans portraying roles of illiterate clowns that are mindlessly obedient to their masters. In future productions, m any companies did not allow black performers; therefore, these demeaning stereotypical characters were portrayed by white performers in front of white audiences. Finally, in 1776, The Fall of the British Tyranny portrayed Blacks in a positive and honorable light.
Beginning in the 19th Century, William Wallls Brown was credited as the first African-American to write and publish a drama. Black theaters began popping up including the African Grove Theatre. in 1821. White actors cam e to viciously harass the actors; therefore, the theater was forced to close. Eventually, musicals gained popularity in the black theatre community; however, white theatres would go to great lengths to discredit black theatre including dressing up in "black face" and portraying the stereotypical images of Blacks.
In the 20th Century, especially in the 1920s, The Harlan Reinsurance boom of black artist. Out of this birthed the American Negro Theatre which produced shows about the black experience and the casting of Blacks in "white" productions. Throughout the 1900s major black artist began appearing on stage and in film many of whom are still successful today.
Personally, I view Fires in the Miirror as a multicultural work. Although it does focus on a tragedy within the black community, I believe that the theme could be applied to any conflict between racial factions that has resulted in a tragic, senseless head. It also concerns issues facing the Jewish community of Crown Heights.
Beginning in 1769, the first African American to appear in an American production was a West Indian slave, Mungo. This show began the stereotype of African Americans portraying roles of illiterate clowns that are mindlessly obedient to their masters. In future productions, m any companies did not allow black performers; therefore, these demeaning stereotypical characters were portrayed by white performers in front of white audiences. Finally, in 1776, The Fall of the British Tyranny portrayed Blacks in a positive and honorable light.
Beginning in the 19th Century, William Wallls Brown was credited as the first African-American to write and publish a drama. Black theaters began popping up including the African Grove Theatre. in 1821. White actors cam e to viciously harass the actors; therefore, the theater was forced to close. Eventually, musicals gained popularity in the black theatre community; however, white theatres would go to great lengths to discredit black theatre including dressing up in "black face" and portraying the stereotypical images of Blacks.
In the 20th Century, especially in the 1920s, The Harlan Reinsurance boom of black artist. Out of this birthed the American Negro Theatre which produced shows about the black experience and the casting of Blacks in "white" productions. Throughout the 1900s major black artist began appearing on stage and in film many of whom are still successful today.
Personally, I view Fires in the Miirror as a multicultural work. Although it does focus on a tragedy within the black community, I believe that the theme could be applied to any conflict between racial factions that has resulted in a tragic, senseless head. It also concerns issues facing the Jewish community of Crown Heights.